Signs of premature birth

Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
Updated on October 30, 2024
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Generally, babies born between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation are considered premature. Normally, premature babies have underdeveloped organ systems, which makes them prone to serious abnormalities in various organs after birth. This can lead to conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome or cerebral palsy. Signs of premature labor typically include sudden regular abdominal pain without any other abnormalities, accompanied by clear uterine contractions and a feeling of abdominal heaviness, with a persistent, notable dilation of the cervix.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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Can premature birth be natural birth?

First, let's discuss the concept of preterm birth, which is defined as births occurring between less than 37 weeks and more than 28 weeks of gestation. There are many reasons for preterm birth, such as genetic factors, premature rupture of membranes, or complications during pregnancy. If the pelvic size is adequate and the child can tolerate delivery, then vaginal delivery is preferred; however, if the fetus is too small or there are complications during pregnancy such as gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, or if the mother's health status is not good, it is recommended to opt for a cesarean section to ensure a timely delivery.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What should I do if a premature baby spits up milk?

For premature babies who experience spitting up, first pay attention to the feeding position. During feeding, make sure to hold the baby up with their head higher than their buttocks, which facilitates the smooth passage of milk through the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, if the baby vomits, first pick the baby up and gently pat their back to help release some of the residual gas in the stomach, which can reduce spitting up and vomiting. Also, during feeding, be mindful not to feed too much at once; feeding small amounts more frequently can also help prevent spitting up.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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What is the earliest gestational week that a premature baby can survive?

Preterm infants, how many weeks can survive, first let's talk about the concept of preterm birth. The concept of preterm birth is more than 28 weeks but less than 37 weeks, this is called premature birth. However, with the improvement of neonatal resuscitation technology, in China, if it’s after 26 weeks, the vast majority of newborns can also survive. But after survival, the cost is quite high. For instance, if it's in a top-tier hospital, the cost for newborns born between 26 and 28 weeks can be around several hundred thousand yuan. So, even after some medical insurance policy reimbursements, you would still have to spend around tens of thousands of yuan on your own.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Is premature birth prone to cerebral palsy?

Under normal circumstances, not all preterm infants will develop cerebral palsy. Preterm babies are more susceptible due to their immature organ systems compared to full-term babies. If they face poor adaptation to the environment during or after childbirth, it can increase the likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. However, this does not mean that cerebral palsy will occur in all cases. Furthermore, since the brain development system is not fully mature in preterm infants, conditions such as brain hypoxia may occur, which can affect the brain and contribute to the development of cerebral palsy.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How to prevent preterm birth

The causes of preterm birth are numerous, and prevention mainly involves addressing these causes. For etiological reasons, proactive treatment of some chronic diseases is necessary. For pregnant women with a history of preterm birth, it is crucial to pay close attention two to three weeks before the previous preterm birth date. They should avoid overexertion, abstain from sexual activity, and rest in bed until the expected due date. It is also important to identify the causes of preterm birth, such as cervical insufficiency. If so, a cerclage surgery can be performed around the 14th week of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman shows signs of labor or preterm birth, she should be given oxygen immediately, and an injection of vitamin K should be administered to prevent intracranial hemorrhage in the newborn.